Marie Kreutzer’s film “Gentle Monster” was the top choice at the third edition of the Cannes Film Market’s Investors Circle, winning the ArteKino International Prize and a prize money of €20,000 ($22,500).
The film project developed by Alexander Glehr and Johanna Scherz of Film AG Produktions GmbH in Austria, was chosen as the top pick from a group of ten film proposals that were showcased to influential investors during the prestigious Cannes financing gathering.
Kreutzer expressed delight after her victory, stating, ‘I’m pleasantly amazed.’ Making a film is like scaling a massive mountain, and the journey leading up to the premiere is an arduous climb. It requires individuals who appreciate and champion cinema to help us get there. Thus, meeting potential investors is crucial. I’ve been fortunate enough to have fruitful discussions with them already. The script has piqued their curiosity, and they’re keen to find out more about the project.
At Plage des Palmes, the festival and market’s designated seaside location during the Cannes Film Festival, the third installment of the financing forum took place. This event displayed 10 previously unseen film projects for the first time. The agenda included discussions with industry experts, followed by a private presentation to esteemed filmmakers for pitching purposes.
This impressive roster of film directors features Jessica Hausner, who frequently competes at Cannes with films like “Little Joe” and “Club Zero”; Sebastián Lelio, a winner of the Academy Award for “A Fantastic Woman” and “Disobedience”; Lukas Dhont, who has received both the Grand Prix and Caméra d’Or awards; and Jasmila Žbanić, who was nominated for an Oscar and won the Golden Bear with “Quo Vadis, Aida?”.
I’m delighted to be part of a team that champions projects with budgets ranging from €3 million ($3.3 million) to €9 million ($10.1 million). Our focus is on projects that promise strong commercial viability, as well as those that showcase impressive creative vision and ambition.
Aleksandra Zakharchenko, who is in charge of industry programs at the market, worked together with a group that included Remi Burah from ARTE France Cinéma, media entrepreneur Serge Hayat, Tamara Tatishvili who heads the Hubert Bals Fund and also moderated the pitching session, and Marcin Łuczaj who is the head of acquisitions at New Europe Film Sales, in the process of making selections.
At the meeting, investors were given the chance to learn about upcoming projects before anyone else, as entertainment law experts from 111 Avocats offered their legal guidance to filmmakers prior to their private discussions with potential investors.
Celine Dornier, VP financing and acquisitions at Logical Pictures Group, who was invited as an investor, commented on The Investors Circle: “This event is a unique gem. It’s specifically tailored to investors, which really sets it apart. The projects presented are consistently of a high caliber, featuring accomplished and varied filmmakers that align perfectly with my interests.
The complete roster of projects unveiled at the 2025 Investors Circle includes:
The Timid” (suggested title)
Director: Lukas Dhont (from Belgium)
Producer: Michiel Dhont for The Reunion Production Company
I’m enthusiastic about the film “Disorder,” masterfully directed by Giacomo Abbruzzese, hailing from Italy. This extraordinary production was brought to life by none other than Marco Alessi and Giulia Achilli, both at Dugong Films. Their collective efforts have resulted in a piece that I can’t wait to see!
The film titled “Gentle Monster,” helmed by director Marie Kreutzer, was developed by Alexander Glehr and Johanna Scherz through Film AG Produktions GmbH.
The film titled “Kamo,” helmed by Kornél Mundruczó from Hungary, was produced by Mike Goodridge of Good Chaos, Ilya Stewart of Hype Studios, and Balthazar de Ganay.
The film titled ‘Motherlove’, helmed by director Eliza Hittman, was produced by Paul Mezey and Andrew Goldman under the banner of Present Company.”
“Eliza Hittman’s movie ‘Motherlove’ was produced by Paul Mezey and Andrew Goldman at their production company, Present Company.
Hlynur Pálmason’s ‘On Land and Sea’, a production of Snowglobe, overseen by Katrin Pors, and Still Vivid, by Anton Máni Svansson.”
“In the waters and on the earth, ‘On Land and Sea’ is directed by Hlynur Pálmason. This film is a joint production between Snowglobe (Katrin Pors) and Still Vivid (Anton Máni Svansson).
Chilean film “Poeta” was directed by Sebastián Lelio, produced by Rocío Jadue, Juan de Dios Larraín, and Pablo Larraín under the production house Fabula.
Where Are You Going, Aida – The Untold Chapter” directed by Jasmila Žbanić (Bosnia and Herzegovina), produced by Damir Ibrahimović at Deblokada
“Aida’s Destination Unknown – The Hidden Sequel”, directed by Jasmila Žbanić (Bosnia and Herzegovina), produced by Damir Ibrahimović at Deblokada.
Film titled ‘The Puma,’ helmed by Marcela Said, was jointly produced by Carole Scotta, Barbara Letellier, and Eliott Khayat under the banner of Haut et Court (France/Chile).
The film titled “Toxic,” helmed by Jessica Hausner from Austria, was produced by Johannes Schubert of Schubert Productions and Philippe Bober of Coproduction Office.
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2025-05-19 19:20